TOYOTA Corolla Touring Sports - a proper stationwagon

Toyota Corolla Sports Touring Review

Introduction to the Toyota Corolla Sports Touring

• The speaker introduces the Toyota Corolla Sports Touring, expressing a preference for traditional station wagons amidst a market shift towards crossovers and SUVs.

• Highlights the car's striking "super green" color, noting its appeal in real life compared to on camera.

Exterior Design Features

• Describes the front design as aggressive with a two-tone black and green scheme, featuring adaptive LED daytime running lights.

• Mentions the car's dimensions (1.80m wide, 4.66m long), emphasizing its stretched design typical of station wagons.

• Opens the boot to reveal 580 liters of capacity, suitable for various large items like furniture or holiday decorations.

Practicality and Space

• Discusses additional storage options under a false floor in the boot, which can accommodate spare wheels or other items.

• Notes that when rear seats are folded down, space increases significantly; appreciates the absence of fake vents in rear design.

Rear Design and Overall Aesthetics

• Praises rear light design mirroring front daytime running lights; mentions clean lines and practical features like a rear wiper.

• Comments on overall balance in design with an emphasis on classic station wagon aesthetics; includes mention of 18-inch wheels.

Interior Overview

• Introduces interior materials as recognizable Toyota quality but notes some differences; highlights dark color scheme without panoramic roof.

• Points out red accents unique to GR Sport version, enhancing visual contrast within an otherwise dark interior.

User Experience and Controls

• Describes soft-touch materials for frequently used areas like steering wheel and armrests; praises traditional window switches and controls for ease of use.

• Emphasizes simplicity in control layout with physical buttons for cruise control and audio settings; appreciates familiar feel for users.

Driving Dynamics

• Mentions CVT transmission with manual mode option; suggests it may be useful when towing despite smooth automatic operation being sufficient most times.

Display Features

Interface Overview and Usability

Navigation and Display Features

• The central screen's navigation interface is small when displayed on the driver's display, making it less useful; users often rely on the main screen or head-up display.

• The main screen is adequately sized for functionality but is not angled towards the driver, which some may prefer for easier access while driving.

Infotainment System Functionality

• The infotainment system includes essential features like navigation, music, phone connectivity, and car systems; it's functional but not overly elaborate.

• Thick borders around the screen give an outdated aesthetic reminiscent of older iPads; this design choice raises questions about its necessity in modern interfaces.

Climate Control and Manual Options

• Manual climate control options are straightforward with physical buttons for fan speed and air direction, promoting ease of use while driving without navigating through menus.

• An inductive charging pad is available but may be too small for larger phones; a USB port is also provided as an alternative charging option.

Seat Heating and Drive Modes

• Seat heating controls are located low down with a switch mechanism that remains in the 'on' position after turning off the car, requiring user attention to reset.

• Drive mode selector offers Sport, Normal, Eco, and EV modes; however, electric mode usage may be limited to specific situations like entering parking garages.

Interior Comfort and Ergonomics

• The gear stick remains traditional in size despite advancements in technology that could allow for smaller alternatives; it provides tactile feedback during operation.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sport Review

Overview of Features and Driving Experience

• The Toyota Corolla Touring Sport offers a basic yet effective music system that enhances the driving experience, although it lacks a panoramic roof which could provide more light in the cabin.

• The car is equipped with a 200 horsepower engine and features a CVT transmission, which may produce sounds that don't always match the vehicle's speed or performance.

• There are two hybrid drivetrains available: one with 140 horsepower and another with 200 horsepower. The regular hybrid version operates without needing plugs or cables, making it user-friendly.

• While plug-in hybrids offer longer electric ranges, the standard hybrid provides good fuel consumption figures and allows for short purely electric drives in specific situations like parking.

Interior Space and Comfort

• The rear space is ample for passengers up to 183 cm tall but can feel cramped for taller individuals due to the low roofline.

• Basic amenities in the back include manual ventilation adjustments and seat heating; however, there are no charging options or temperature controls available.

• The armrest design is considered basic, potentially causing discomfort due to its fixed holes.

Family-Friendly Features

• ISOFIX child seat anchors are present but have detachable covers that may easily come off, posing an inconvenience for users.

• The rear seats can fold flat from both the boot and manually, providing flexibility for transporting larger items while maintaining passenger capacity.

Driving Position and Visibility

• A lower seating position compared to SUVs gives drivers a different perspective on the road; this may appeal to those who prefer feeling connected to their vehicle.

• Taller individuals might find headroom limited when seated in the back due to the car's design; however, it remains comfortable for shorter passengers.

Toyota Corolla Review: A Classic Form Factor

Design and Practicality

• The Toyota Corolla features a classical form factor, characterized by a spacious boot, low seating position, and sleek design. It is praised for its aesthetics and practicality.

• The interior reflects traditional Toyota values—robustness and functionality. While the design may not be thrilling, it is user-friendly and reliable.

• The absence of touch-sensitive controls in favor of physical buttons enhances the driving experience, making operations more convenient while on the road.

Variants and Pricing

• The Corolla comes in various models; the standard hatchback starts just under €33,000 in the Netherlands. The Touring Sports variant begins at approximately €35,000.

• Different trims include Comfort, Active, Dynamic, GR Sport, Executive Pack (up to €46,000), with hybrid options available starting from around €43,000.

Driving Experience

• Driving around town is described as pleasant due to a quiet drivetrain that offers sufficient power for everyday needs without feeling cumbersome.

• On highways, the 200 horsepower engine provides adequate performance for overtaking despite not being classified as high-performance; it handles well even at higher speeds.

Performance Insights

• While capable of reaching speeds up to 175 km/h (noted as "not a rocket ship"), it performs adequately within Dutch traffic limits.

• Users may notice limitations when overtaking at high speeds but overall find the engine's performance satisfactory for daily use.

Areas for Improvement

• Some drawbacks include a cluttered driver's display with excessive colors and symbols that could benefit from simplification.

• Increased noise levels from wind and tires become noticeable at speeds above 130 km/h but do not hinder conversation quality inside the vehicle.

Overall Impressions

• After extensive use of the Toyota Corolla station wagon model, appreciation for its form factor remains strong; it's seen as an elegant alternative to SUVs with ample space for family needs.